]]>Closing early.http://providencecomputers.com/closing-early
Fri, 05 Jan 2018 21:43:52 +0000http://providencecomputers.com/?p=671Providence Computers will close today at 5:00 PM.
We will be open normal hours tomorrow, but will not be offering expedited or onsite service until Monday of next week.
Drive safe!
]]>Open today, but closing early.http://providencecomputers.com/open-today-but-closing-early
Fri, 05 Jan 2018 14:47:59 +0000http://providencecomputers.com/?p=669Providence Computers is open today, but will close early to allow employees to return home before dark.
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Thu, 04 Jan 2018 18:08:09 +0000http://providencecomputers.com/?p=667Continue reading Closed for snow→]]>Due to continued bad weather, we will not be opening for business today. Additionally, there will be no employee meeting tomorrow morning. Employees should report to work at their normal time. We expect to be open at the normal time tomorrow, however, if road conditions are still bad tomorrow, we may delay opening. If that happens, it will be posted here and on our Facebook Page.
]]>Delayed for snowhttp://providencecomputers.com/delayed-for-snow
Thu, 04 Jan 2018 13:25:37 +0000http://providencecomputers.com/?p=665Providence Computers will open at 12:00 PM today due to snow. Drive safe!
]]>Closing Early – Christmas Partyhttp://providencecomputers.com/closing-early-christmas-party
Thu, 14 Dec 2017 16:56:44 +0000http://providencecomputers.com/?p=662Providence Computers will be closing early at 5:00PM for our company Christmas Party! We will reopen at 9:00AM tomorrow.
]]>First Night of Christmas 2017!http://providencecomputers.com/first-night-of-christmas-2017
Sun, 26 Nov 2017 00:02:53 +0000http://providencecomputers.com/?p=654
]]>How to Tell if Your Computer Has a Virus?http://providencecomputers.com/how-to-tell-if-your-computer-has-a-virus
Fri, 06 Oct 2017 15:03:33 +0000http://providencecomputers.com/?p=641Continue reading How to Tell if Your Computer Has a Virus?→]]>How to Tell if Your Computer Has a Virus?

Sometimes computers do wacky things that ring alarm bells and make us dive for cover. Next thing you know, you’re running scans on repeat and demanding everyone come clean about their browsing habits. Fortunately, not all weird occurrences are caused by viruses – sometimes your computer is simply overloaded, overheating or in desperate need of a reboot. Here are the tell-tale signs of a malware attack:

Bizarre error messages

Look for messages popping up from nowhere that make no sense, are poorly worded or plain gibberish – especially if they’re about a program you don’t even have. Take note of anti-virus warnings too, check the warning is from YOUR anti-virus software and looks like it should. If a message pops up that isn’t quite right, don’t click. Not even to clear or cancel the message. Close the browser or shut down the computer instead, then run a full scan.

Suddenly deactivated anti-virus/malware protection

You know the best way to get past the guard? Send him for a coffee break! Certain viruses are programmed to take out the security systems first, leaving you open to infection. If you reboot and your protections aren’t back on the job, you are more than likely under attack. Attempt to start the anti-virus manually and you’ll know for sure.

Social media messages you didn’t send

Are your friends replying to messages you never wrote? Your login details might have been hacked and your friends are now being tricked into giving up personal information or money. Change your password immediately, and advise your friends of the hack.

Web browser acting up

Perhaps you’ve noticed your homepage has changed, it’s using an odd search engine or opening/redirecting unwanted sites. If your browser has gone rogue, it’s definitely a virus, usually one intended to steal your personal or financial details. Skip the online banking and email until your scans come up clear and everything is working normally again.

Sluggish performance

If your computer speed has dropped, boot up takes an eternity and even moving the mouse has become a chore, it’s a sign that something is wrong. But not necessarily a virus. Run your anti-virus scan and if that resolves it, great. If not, your computer likely needs a tune-up or quickie repair.

Constant computer activity

You’re off the computer but the hard drive is going nuts, the fans are whirring, and the network lights are flashing like a disco? It’s almost like someone IS using the computer! Viruses and malware attacks use your computer resources, sometimes even more than you do. Take note of what’s normal, and what’s not.

4 Simple Tips to Keep Your Internet Banking Safe

Online banking has boomed in the past few years to become the new norm. Branches are out and apps are in. Half the time when you visit a branch, you’re steered towards a computer for a DIY transaction – with optional assistance. But is internet banking really safe? You’re always told to keep your financial details private, but now also to jump on board the online banking train – talk about a push/pull scenario! The good news is you CAN bank safely online with a few simple precautions.

Always type in the website address

Many attackers will attempt to trick you into clicking a fake link to your bank website. Usually sent as a ‘phishing email’, they’ll claim there’s a problem and ask you to click through to your bank and correct it ASAP. The link points to a fake website that looks almost exactly like your real bank site and is recording your private account info. You can avoid scams like this simply by accessing your bank by manually typing in the website or using a bookmark.

Avoid public computers and networks

Jumping onto a PC at the library or mall might seem like a quick and easy way to check your account, but public computers are often targeted by scammers. In just a few moments, they can install keyloggers to record usernames, passwords and other private data, then sit back as all future user details are emailed to them. The same problem applies with free, unsecured Wi-Fi. You’re better off using an ATM or a data-enabled smartphone.

Use a strong password with 2- factor authentication

Create a unique password for your online banking, something you’ve never used anywhere else. Mix up words, numbers and symbols to create a complex password that can’t be guessed easily. Avoid giving attackers a head start with data they can find on Facebook, like kids names, pet names, birthdates, etc and really think outside the box. And of course, never write it down anywhere near your wallet, phone or computer. If remembering is likely to be an issue, you might like to consider a secure password manager app. Many banks will also help boost your security with two-factor authentication, sending random codes to your phone (or a special LCD device they provide) to verify any activity.

Check page security before entering data

Finally, take a micro-second to spot the small padlock icon before you enter any data. You’re looking for a padlock appearing as part of the browser itself, not just an image on the webpage. It will be either in the bottom corner or next to the URL. The address will also start with httpS:// instead of http://. If you don’t see these things, the page is NOT secure and you shouldn’t log in.

Would you like us to give your computer a new lease on life? Give us a call at 382-7768

]]>Providence Computers will be closing early today.http://providencecomputers.com/providence-computers-will-be-closing-early-today
Mon, 04 Sep 2017 17:12:31 +0000http://providencecomputers.com/?p=633Providence Computers will close at 4pm on Monday (Sept. 4th). We will reopen at our normal business hours tomorrow the 5th.
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